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Topamax and Weight Loss

Fri, 04/01/2005 - 21:46

Topic: Medication Issues

I began taking Topamax for partial seizures in January, 2005. I have since lost 25 pounds (I am 5' 2" and am down to 102 lbs.). I just really have no appetite most of the time. I am wondering if others have lost weight like this on Topamax and if so, has the weight stayed off, or did you gain it back? I am 42 years old and was diagnosed with TLE in March of 2004. I took Keppra for awhile, but had breakthrough seizures and when my dosage was increased, my hair started falling out. So my neurologist switched me to Trileptal. I had terrible headaches on this med, so started the Topamax this past January. It seems to be working, though I'm a little concerned about the weight loss.

Comments

RE: Topamax and Weight Loss

Submitted by jacgartrell on Fri, 2005-04-01 - 21:46

I was on tomamax 4 years ago. I was on it for grand mal seizures. I went from 125 to 69 pounds, My parents took me off the medication because they new something wasn't right. my nuero wanted to keep me on it. It caused more then just weight loss, I was like a zombie, i didn't want to do anything, worst it caused more seizures. I changed nueros and the new at UCSF called it dopamax. Best of luck with it

Re: Topamax and Weight Loss

Submitted by pinkangel_82 on Fri, 2006-01-06 - 17:45

Hi there. I just read your question about weight loss while taking Topamax. I took Topamax for about nearly 2 years and at first they were the best medication I had ever taken. I was free from seizures for nearly 1 year. The most time in my life! Then suddenly I was going through some very bad problems in all areas of my life which suddenly all the upset made me very ill and my seizures returned. When they returned back, they also brought very bad side effects with my medication which was then Topamax. One of the very bad side effects I then had with Topamax was continually losing weight and loss of appetite. It made me lose nearly 2 1/2 stone in weight. My GP then put me on Keppra in place of Topamax. So now I am still taking Keppra with Tegretol which gives me very bad headaches and makes me sleepy especially lately for some reason. I want to go off Keppra now. Can anyone help me with their experience of taking Keppra?

Re: Topamax and Weight Loss

Submitted by AmyC on Sun, 2010-01-31 - 12:59

Hi Pinkan-I have seizures and severe migraines along with depression and anxiety. I have been on Keppra for over a year and it does have a tendancy to make me sleepy so I take it at night b4 I go to bed. I am supposed to take 1500mg twice a day but instead I take it all at one time b4 bed. I just started topamax a month ago and the only side effects I have had are loss of appetite leading to weight loss and tingling in my arms and legs at times. BUT it has seriously cut down on the intensity of my migraines so it's worth it to me. The keppra gave no side effects other than fatigue but I suppose it afects everyone different. Hope I was able to help...good luck!!

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